About this role
Job summary
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to train as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP).
This training post is part of the national initiative to expand access to mental health support in educational settings. As a trainee EMHP, you will work under supervision within our Mental Health Support Teams, delivering evidence-based interventions to children and young people aged up to 18, helping to shape emotionally healthy school environments and provide direct support to those who need it most.
You will be co-located in schools across your locality, working collaboratively with education staff to promote a whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health. The role requires creativity, flexibility, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. On successful completion of the year long programme trainees will qualify as an EMHP.
Please note you will be required to sign a learning agreement before your employment starts. Upon completion of your training, you will work within your locality as a qualified EMHP.
Main duties of the job
All applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health as well as a desire to work in children's mental health. Experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable.
We encourage people to apply if they do not meet requirements for the level 7 postgraduate route(i.e. typically those who have a degree). If you would like to apply via this route, you will need to provide evidence of:
your ability to study at Level 6 (e.g. previous successful study at level 5, or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6, or a pre-entry essay for the University of Reading that achieves a passing standard). Please note, an academic reference may besought;
good/solid basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of level 2.
Please note that candidates who hold an Honours degree of 2.2 or above should apply for the Postgraduate route.
The training programme for this post starts inSeptember2026and is12 months in duration. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within a university; independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
Caring for and about you is our top priority Committed to providing good quality, safe services Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell Generous NHS pension scheme Excellent learning and career development opportunities 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave Free parking across Trust sites
Job description Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
The ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience: An honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at masters level prior to acceptance on the training programme Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree level 6).(Must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the 2-year psychological professions funding rule)
Experience of working with children and an understanding of how to talk with them.
Some experience of working within a mental health setting or in an education setting.
Strong communication, IT & organisational skills.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted. For further application tips see the help with your application document attached once you click apply.
If you're someone who shares our passion for excellence and care, you belong at Berkshire Healthcare!
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to contact Yani Chocalingum [email protected] who will be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training Essential
For the Postgraduate Diploma: Bachelor's degree graded at 2:2 or above . For the Graduate Diploma: Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e., previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6) (In either case, must not have started or completed a HEE funded training programme in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions funding rule) Numeracy and literacy qualification at a minimum of level 2
Continuous Professional Development Essential
Commitment to ongoing training and development Able to complete academic components of the course Able to attend the formal training as required and able to integrate training into clinical practice
Previous Experience Essential
Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with CYP
Desirable
Experience of working with CYP and their families in either a health, social care, or education setting Experience of working with looked after CYP or other vulnerable groups of CYP Experience of working in or with a diverse or multi-cultural community Experience of working in a service where agreed targets are in place to demonstrate outcomes Experience of providing 1-1 support to CYP in the community
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Knowledge of educational systems in England Knowledge of CYP and areas related to child development, child wellbeing or mental health Able to work independently and think quickly in challenging situations Ability to study as a self-motivated learner and effectively implementing training into practice Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including high standard of letter and report writing
Desirable
Understanding of mental health problems in CYP and evidence-based interventions Understanding of the need to use evidence-based interventions and how it relates to this post Understand why collecting feedback from CYP and parents is important Understanding of child protection, policy, and legislation Received risk training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
Additional Requirements Essential
Able to work flexibly around working patterns as required Able to travel independently between locations in Berkshire (including schools, NHS premises and home etc) to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position
Desirable
Proficient in languages other than English Able to work with interpreters to deliver services
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address The Rowans Children's Centre, Pond Moor Rd, Bracknell RG12 7JZ
Pond Moor Rd
Bracknell
RG12 7JZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)